China SMS Text Message Information

China SMS stands for China Short Message Service, but is more commonly known as "texting". Text messaging is of course hugely popular in China, especially where you consider that the Network Operators never expected it to be a hit - in fact it was 'launched' by accident. Mobile Phone Network Operators used a spare data channel to send each other messages, and it caught on. Improvements to the service, such as T9 predictive text (to help type faster), have helped to improve the service, and a number of enhancements such as enhanced messaging (EMS) led to MMS multimedia messaging (messages with video, photos and sound).

As well as sending text messages to friends, China SMS messages can be used by your operator to send you phone settings over-the-air and software, for companies to send dedicated content (and spam) to your mobile, and for services such as news alerts and competitions.

China SMS Service Centre Numbers

Below is a list of the SMS Service Centre (SMSC) numbers for the main China operators. The SMSC is stored on your phone or SIM, and is used to forward your outgoing text messages to the network operator. If your phone suddenly loses the ability to send a text message - it could be a problem with the SMSC number stored in your phone.

China text Message Service Commands

Writing text messages and send to 10086 (China Mobile, 10011 for China Unicom ). You can get most service from Network Operators' Customer Services. For instance, Sheng Zhou Xing Brand, Beijing China Mobile:

Service Life Extension: YCYXQ

Free Incoming Calls in Beijing Plan: KTCTWY

Cancellation of Free Incoming Calls in Beijing Plan: QXCTWY

Missed Call Reminder: KTLD

Cancellation of Missed Call Reminder: QXLD

Customer service password change: MMBG the original password the new password

Sheng Zhou Xing Brand, Shanghai China Mobile:

Service Life Extension: YCYXQ

Service Life Checking: CXYXQ or YXQ

Balance Information: YE or YECX

Password Information: CXMM/MMCX

PUK Information: CXPUK

Missed Call Reminder: KTLDTX or LDTX

Cancellation of Missed Call Reminder: QXLDTX

Please Note: the service commands are updated from time to time. Before using the above commands, please contact 10086 (China Mobile) to confirm. To contact China Mobile: if you have a Beijing number, please dial 10086 while in Beijing. If you are in other cities, please dial 010-10086. A Fee is applied for some services above, such as Free Incoming Calls in Beijing Plan: RMB 10.00.

China Text message Problem and Solving

If you find that you're not able to send SMS text messages, getting a message like "Your SMS cannot be sent", there are a few things to try checking:

Check you can make an outgoing voice call. If you can't, it could be that your phone is out of credit, your account is barred, or you're using a phone that doesn't support the SIM card.

Check the Message Service Centre Number - using the wrong number, or omitting the correct International prefix will cause messages to fail. China SMSC numbers.

Try the SIM in another phone. If the SIM works in another phone, chances are there's something up with the phone or the phone settings. If the SIM fails in the same way on other phones, chances are it's a faulty / corrupted SIM card, or there's a problem at the network operator end - contact your network operator to check your account.

Still having problems? Contact your network operator Customer Services people for help, or for general advice, try asking in our forum.